Rockite, For Anchoring and Patching, water based structural anchoring compond, for anchoring,bolts,fastenings,fixings

Q We had a warehouse floor with hairline cracks on the floor and wonder if your product would work in filling the cracks. Can we sprinkler the power into the crack and water it with sponge? Please advise.

A Yes you can use Rockite for the task that you have described.

What I suggest is the following as your way would not be the best way by a country mile.

Make sure that all lose debris and dust is removed from the cracks
Then dampen the crack/floor
Mix your Rockite mixture in to a batter like paste
Pour mixture direct along the crack
With a float or spatula work the rockite into the crack. It will self level
Scrape away excess and if necessary wipe of with a damp sponge

It is that simple. The Rockite will have an initial set 15-20 minutes and is good for working on after 2 hours.

Q What is the comparative strength of Rockite to an epoxy when used with 5/8 inch steel anchor bolts set through a 6 inch concrete slab and 8 inches into the foundation?

A There are several factors that must be considered.

What is the MPA factor of the concrete floor for a start. This is often the weakest link in the construction chain. I would hope that it is 25 plus.

If we assume that the concrete strength is sound I would suggest that you drill your holes as deep as 6 inches (150mm) You have not stated what loading you require on the bolts once set in Rockite but I will assume that you require a considerable amount.

If you look at the test results that are on the website you will see that Rockite and Kwixset will both rapidly increase their strength as we increase the diameter of the hole drilled. You will note that we have able to snap under tension pulling Grade 500 re bar, You will also see the mode of failure. In most scenarios we encounter concrete failure. In one test we experienced hydraulic testing equipment failure at 100 kN. This test result equates that the Rockite was at 500mpa aprox.

Rockite works on Hydraulic force because it will on setting expand. The epoxy product requires accurate mixing and when set that the chemicals bind according to manufacturers spec's.

I have no doubt that the Rockite products will exceed your expectations providing you follow the instructions set out on the packet/website.

I would suggest that the dia meter of your holes be at least one inch in diameter. Possibly more depending on loads required. Please review test results at www.rockite.com and consult your engineers.

Q I am trying to figure out a way to anchor my gate track in asphalt. Will rockite work in asphalt? Would it hold a bolt in asphalt?

A The answer is yes however you need to be aware that the Rockite must be covered as it is not water proofed for exterior applications. (Kwixset for external) The other point you need to consider is that the asphalt will be your weakest link in your project due to the low compressive strength of the asphalt.

Q We are a manufacturer and installer of metal and glass railing systems. We have used Rockite in the past with good results. Your product for exterior use is referenced as KWIXSET, does this product set up at the same speed as Rockite and can we use warm water on cold days to speed the set up with either Kwixset or Rockite?

Are the mechanical properties the same for both? Will we see any difference when using either one during the application of these products? Also where can we purchase KWIXSET in Vancouver B. C. Canada?
RZ

A Kwixset does set up and work in an identical manor as Rockite. Warm water will be suitable when mixing in cold conditions. Initial set time will be about 15 20 minutes. There is a colour variation between the two products. You will see that the Kwixset is slightly darker than Rockite. I suggest that you speak directly with the Canadian distributors. If you have no success I then suggest that you contact the manufacturers direct in the USA.

Q Will Rockite stick to a painted concrete Floor? we have some low spot that need filling and they do have paint in them we can not get it all out, we want to know if the Rockite will still work.

A The very short answer is NO.
The Rockite or Kwixset needs to key into the concrete. If there is pait left on the concrete irt will act a s a barrier thus preventing a strong key between the concrete and Rockite or Kwixset. You must remove the paint.

Q Can you tell me how Rockite fares in exposure to fire (heats of 500-600 degrees). I am building a wood-fired clay oven and am considering materials for lining the inside of the door to the fire chamber. I have read that concrete can remain stable up to 1000 degrees. Is the case similar for Rockite? Should I expect cracking on the surface exposed to the heat? Thank you for your time.

A I suggest that you do not use Rockite for the project that you have in mind. At temperature of 212 degrees the heat will pull the moisture out and turns to powder. At the higher temperature on the MSDS it will decompose.

Q Can you please send me info regarding your Rockite Expanding Cement. I have been told that it would be a good product to use to fill the space between a tempered glass railing and its surrounding track. I take it that the expansion means flexible, not that it expands when it sets. I am looking for something that is elastomeric.

A With respect to your request Rockite or Kwixset are more than appropriate for the task that you have described. However our products when set have a compression strength greater than concrete. Each product works on hydraulic force locking the glass firmly into place. Our products are not flexible once set.

Q If I put the product in a hole in a level floor, will it expand and create a "dome" above the surrounding flat floor, requiring time-consuming grinding to bring it to level with the surrounding floor?

A No griding should be required at all. Rockite is self-levelling when mixed to a fluid consistency. As a plasticine mix Rockite will self-level just as concrete does with the aid of vibration. Overflow or spillage can be troweld off level or wiped up with a wet cloth within 20-30mins of installation.

Q Information: We are building a deck on a rock ledge. To do so we are anchoring 1/2" rebar into holes drilled 6" into the rock, then pouring a concrete footing above for a flat surface to put our post-base on. I had been using epoxy to secure the rebar in the hole, but its a pain to work with and takes too long to cure. Someone recommended Kwixset. Seems it'd do the trick. My question is: how long after setting the rebar in rock with Kwixset would I have to wait until I could pour my footing over that Kwixset-set rebar?

A Both Rockite and Kwixset have an initial set time of 15 -20 minutes. Therefore I would suggest that if you were to wait for two hours before you pour your concrete that would be more than ample. Rockite and kwixset can actually be stressed after two hours when loading on anchors is required. I note that you did not metioin the diameter of your drilling. I would also suggest depending on loading required that your drilling should be no less than 3/4" or 20 mm. Both Rockite and Kwixset work on hydraulic expansion. Caution: Some rock structures/formations are very soft. Ensure that your engineer has signed off before proceeding with the project. Note strength test results from www.rockite.com

Q I am wondering if I can use Rockite to combine with concrete to reduce the curing time. If so what ratio should I use?

A Yes is the short answer. How much will be determined by how fast you want the mix to set. In the past I have used about 1 pound per wheel barrow load, yet that was for a specific job. There are many varibles to consider. Water in mix, type of ground, clay, rock etc. Temperature is another factor in this equation. I suggest that you work on a trial and error basis. Apologies for not being absolute with specifics. This is the best that I can advise.

Q I have used Rockite to patch and level a concrete slab, in preparation for installation of new prefinished wood plank floor. The wood floor requires a water-based polyeurethane glue.

Will the glue readily adher to the Rockite?

A Further to your question, In short the answer is yes. I personally would not place wooden planks directly on to concrete. You need to ensure that no moisture can migrate upwards. The moisture will affect water based glues and long term damage to floor boards if the concrete is not sealed. The trend now is to float the floor.

Q TECHNICAL INFORMATION ABOUT SETTING HAND RAIL POST

A Further to your request when setting hand rails, I have found everyone has there own method.

I have encouraged installers to simply core drill. Depending on the size of your stanchion will ultimately determine the diameter of the hole. I know one company that most stanchions, depending, are 45mm square. They generally drill 75-80 mm diameter holes.

They pour the Rockite and simply stand the stanchions in place.

Remember that the concrete will suck the moisture content out of the Rockite quite quickly so make sure that you test your rails etc first. If concrete base is warm at the time of pouring, dampen with water as this will slow down the setting process and will also give you a stronger bonding.

Rockite works on hydraulic force. Test results as illustrated on the website show that the greater the room for expansion the greater your loadings.

If the project is outside and the Rockite is exposed to weather use the water proof version of Rockite. Called Kwixset.

Q I need to patch about 100 conical surface holes ranging up to 2 inches in diameter and up to 1/4 inch deep in a concrete basement slab. I will then paint over the surface with Epoxy shield. What is the time I must wait for rockite to cure prior to epox
application?

A The initial set is about 15 minutes yet there will still be some moisture content in the floor. This may create some challenges re your surface coating.

I suggest that you give the rockite a chance to set for at least two hours at the very minimum and then test patch a small area. When you are
satisfied then proceed. Personally if I could give the Rockite longer I would. The other concern is that the moisture content in the concrete floor also should be thoroughly dry as the concrete floor will absorb water from the Rockite.

When patching, it is recommended that you dust free the floor/holes and dampen the concrete base that needs patching. This will create a better bonding.

Q Our local city inspector has requested information about the adhession between Rockite or Kwixset with glass and alluminum ballustrades?

A Thank you for your request for technical information on Rockite working with glass and alumimum.

You did not mention if you were placing your aluminium channel into the concrete floor or was it above. Some applicators/installers have done away with aluminium as it is of little benefit.

On the following web pages there are a series of test results published from tests conducted in the USA and New Zealand as to the strength properties of Rockite.

Rockite works on hydraulic force. You can see that we have illustrated the increase in loadings where we have increased the diameter of the holes. Depending on the expansion factor allowed, the loadings will increase dramatically.

There is no specific adhesion between the glass and Rockite. Some designers have created a small groove in the glass that will be imbedded into the Rockite/Kwixset thus allowing a locking factor for direct upward lift/tension.

You have not said if your project is internal or external. Please note if external and exposed to the rain you will need to use our water proof product Kwixset.

I trust that the above information meets your building inspectors requirements and that he understands the nature of Hydraulic Forces V Bonding.

http://www.rockite.com/test.htm note test one and two.

Q Is there any chemical reaction between your products and alluminum stantions, rails etc?

A Sir, thank you for your request. I have attached an article below that was written by an independent party and I believe this will answer your question.

ROCKITE

EFFECT ON ALUMINIUM

The question of the effect of ROCKITE CEMENT on aluminium metal has been raised many times in view of the growing popularity of ornamental aluminium. Since aluminium is attacked by Portland cement, it is only natural to question whether ROCKITE should also have such an effect.

We're happy to state that ROCKITE has no corrosive effect whatever on aluminium. As a matter of fact, every dishwasher knows that their aluminium kitchen utensils are attacked by strong alkaline cleaners. Therefore, they avoid them in their cleaning process. Incidentally, Portland cement is alkaline - ROCKITE CEMENT is not.

A test was made with one end of a length of aluminium moulding embedded in a patty of ROCKITE CEMENT. The specimen was then subjected to a water bath intermittently for four months. At the end of that period, there was no indication that the aluminium had been attacked in any manner whatever, and for all practical purposes it appeared to be in precisely the same condition as it was when the test was begun.

This test, together with the fact that ROCKITE CEMENT has continued to be used quite extensively for fastening aluminium throughout the country, corroborates our contention that ROCKITE has no injurious effect on aluminium and that its use in conjunction with aluminium articles is quite safe.

ROCKITE definitely has no effect on aluminium. ROCKITE not only offers the simplest, easiest, and strongest anchoring medium known today but also eliminates the necessity of protecting ornamental aluminium from the corrosive attack of Portland Cement and other anchoring products.

http://www.clydeinfo.com/chmain/dbi/pictures/fillers/page12F.html

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